Actor. He received notoriety as an American film actor in the first half of the 20th century, appearing in bit parts but being prolific in his roles. Including his uncredited roles, he appeared in a total of 122 films between 1914 and 1947. Born Frederick Wishard Burton, his acting career began on the stage after making a hit in a Knights of Pythias benefit in Gosport. In 1913 at middle-aged he, along with Sydney Shields, starred in "Reckless Age", a play produced by Cecil B. De Mille shortly before he switched to films. In the 1914 silent film, "Forgiven" or "The Jack of Diamonds," he had one of his first film roles. Based on Elinor Glyn's 1916 novel, he had a role in the 1919 silent film "The Career of Katherine Bush." This film has been lost in time with only documents proving it ever did exist. A six-foot tall man, he was known for "The Big Trail" in 1930 and "One Way Passage" and "Two Seconds" both in 1932. Other films that he accepted roles in "Ann of Green Gables" in 1919, "Running Wild" in 1927, "Mata Hari" in 1931, "I Am a Fugitive from A Chain Gang" in 1932, "Belle of the Nineties" with Mae West in 1934, "Theodora Goes Wild" in 1936, and "Silver Queen" in 1942. With Bette Davis and Henry Fonda, he appeared in "Jezebel" in 1938, along with being first director, yet not named in the credits. His last role was uncredited at the age of 76, playing a Creole gentleman in the 1947 "The Foxes of Harrow." He was married to Lora Osgood burton and then Jessie Lawrie.
Actor. He received notoriety as an American film actor in the first half of the 20th century, appearing in bit parts but being prolific in his roles. Including his uncredited roles, he appeared in a total of 122 films between 1914 and 1947. Born Frederick Wishard Burton, his acting career began on the stage after making a hit in a Knights of Pythias benefit in Gosport. In 1913 at middle-aged he, along with Sydney Shields, starred in "Reckless Age", a play produced by Cecil B. De Mille shortly before he switched to films. In the 1914 silent film, "Forgiven" or "The Jack of Diamonds," he had one of his first film roles. Based on Elinor Glyn's 1916 novel, he had a role in the 1919 silent film "The Career of Katherine Bush." This film has been lost in time with only documents proving it ever did exist. A six-foot tall man, he was known for "The Big Trail" in 1930 and "One Way Passage" and "Two Seconds" both in 1932. Other films that he accepted roles in "Ann of Green Gables" in 1919, "Running Wild" in 1927, "Mata Hari" in 1931, "I Am a Fugitive from A Chain Gang" in 1932, "Belle of the Nineties" with Mae West in 1934, "Theodora Goes Wild" in 1936, and "Silver Queen" in 1942. With Bette Davis and Henry Fonda, he appeared in "Jezebel" in 1938, along with being first director, yet not named in the credits. His last role was uncredited at the age of 76, playing a Creole gentleman in the 1947 "The Foxes of Harrow." He was married to Lora Osgood burton and then Jessie Lawrie.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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